The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-09-03
WATER RIGHTS IN CANYONS.

The question of water rights is grave
one, and has many peculiar aspect
Take the case of large hotel, covering
piece of land which has the most I'M
disputable water right. ALI the waite,
that hotel is legitimately entitled to is
the amount which, in fair distribu
ton, would be accorded it and the land
on which it stands for irrigation pur-
poses. OF course, it might also utilize
the water which would fall to other
land attached to the hotel, and which
the building itself does not cover. But
the fact is, there is not hotel in this
city but consumes vastly more water
than it has right to under fair distri-
button. Yet the city, for money oopsId
GRAFTON, sells to this hotel right to the
use of water which does not belonf
to the city. Still this is not wrong
1t is to the interested every citizen that
the city should do just as it is doing
The best way to discuss these problems
Is on the broad plan of the general well
fare. Wherever, in reason, a man is
induced to build for himselfa home and
thus enhances the value of surround
ing property, the citizens should be dis
posed to help that individual and give
him an ample water supply.
But in spite of the general wisdom of
this generous and yet prudent econ
omy, there is limit to its application.
That limit is reached when men come
in, at this late day, and. follow
ing the course of water sources, locate
far up the streams and then
utilize the water. Within recent years
up Parley's Canyon, stretches of excel
lent land bordering the wster-course,
have been broken up and cultivated
and if the waters of the stream have
not been devoted to the use of these
newly-made homes, at least the springs
whose outpourings find their way TO
the general channel, have been largely
So far no trouble has
arisen. 1t may be that no trouble will
arise. But should this prsctice become
general, there is reason to apprehend
serious difficulty in time. These
streams are the property of the
residents of this valley, and not only
is the living water fully consum ed
but in the main, the surplus of the early
spring and late fall has a thousand I'M
claimants. No amount of use.
age will impair the rights of the original
owners. But there will come time
when those owning the water are sure
to object to its utilization by any per-
son in the canyons. As the time passes
those who have located along the banks
Of water courses in the canyons will
make their properties more and more
valuable, and without the privilege of
using the water, the property will be-
come practically worthless. The
point is this: Is it lust to per-
NIT men to go on building
up and making valuable places
which will practically be destroyed,
when these persons are prevented from
using the water because of which alone
heir properties are valued? 1t may be
urged that men should not build upon
such uncertain foundations. But men
DO; and they will do so unless pre-
vented; and hardships will follow
greater as the time of prevention is
longer delayed.
Unless those interested want long
controversies, bitter feelings and much
harm to be done in the future, wisdom
that they had better consider
this subject seriously and without loss
Of time.